Antti Raanta

Deadline Primer: Arizona Coyotes

February 6, 2019 at 6:54 pm CDT | by Zach Leach Leave a Comment

With the trade deadline fast approaching, we will be taking a closer look at the situation for each team over the coming weeks. Where do they stand, what do they need to do, and what assets do they have to fill those needs? As we continue to examine the Pacific Division, here is a look at the Arizona Coyotes.

Team A is in a four-way tie for eleventh place is their conference. Team B has a points percentage only marginally less than the final wild card team in their conference. Most would say that Team A should be a seller at the deadline, while Team B should be a buyer. Well, Team A is the Arizona Coyotes and Team B is also the Arizona Coyotes.

At 51 points through 53 games, Arizona is tied with the Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference wild card race, though technically they lead the group. One game in hand separates them from the Ducks and Hawks, while a single regulation/overtime win currently gives them an edge over the Oilers. At the same time, the Coyotes’ .481 points percentage only narrowly trails the 8th-place Vancouver Canucks and 10th-place Colorado Avalanche, who are both .500 teams. The truth of the matter is that six points separate all eight teams in pursuit of the second wild card berth in the West and Arizona is right in the middle of a race that gets more complicated with each day.

So which way do GM John Chayka and the Coyotes go? The St. Louis Blues currently look like the team to beat for the final postseason spot, but the Avalanche have been in the playoff picture all year and the Blackhawks are winners of five straight. Can Arizona really compete with those teams? Despite the proximity of the teams in the Western Conference playoff race, the ’Yotes still lack great odds of making the playoffs and, even if they did sneak in, would be severe underdogs without much of a chance in the first round. Between a rash of injuries and inconsistent scoring, this just doesn’t seem like the year for Arizona’s triumphant return to the postseason. There are many good pieces in place, both veterans and young contributors, but the Coyotes would be better served simply entertaining offers for their impending free agents and expendable parts and keeping their sights set on next season.

Record

23-25-5, fifth in the Pacific Division

Deadline Status

Moderate Seller

Deadline Cap Space

$30.54MM in full-season cap hit, 1/3 used salary cap retention slots, 50/50 contracts per CapFriendly

Upcoming Draft Picks

2019: ARI 1st, ARI 2nd, ARI 3rd, CHI 3rd, ARI 4th, CLB 6th, PIT 6th
2020: ARI 1st, ARI 2nd, ARI 3rd, ARI 4th, ARI 5th, ARI 6th, ARI 7th

Trade Chips

Derek Stepan? Alex Goligoski? Niklas Hjalmarsson? These names just aren’t out there on the rumor mill, as the Coyotes seem happy with their veterans and aren’t willing to move them while term remains on their contracts. There is a lot to like about the core that Chayka and company have put together, but it simply hasn’t had the opportunity to shine this season due to injury issues with the likes of Nick Schmaltz, Michael Grabner, Jakob Chychrun, Christian Dvorak, Antti Raanta, and more. Looking ahead to next year, the Coyotes on paper have a top-notch goalie tandem, a deep and diverse defense, and a mix of skill and experience on offense that could help to solve this season’s scoring issues. The team seems unlikely to want to interfere with the potential they see in next season’s squad, which will eliminate many of the names that buyers are most interested in.

However, there are more than a few impending UFA’s or spare parts that the Coyotes should be willing to move. At the top of that list is forward Richard Panik. Panik, 27, is on pace to match his 35 points from last season when he came over to the Coyotes from the Chicago Blackhawks at mid-season. Yet, he has been less effective and less efficient at both ends this season despite more play time than his second-half stint last year. A fit in Arizona that once looked ideal for Panik is now unlikely to be a long-term home and the Coyotes should be more than willing to move the upcoming free agent. Panik will be an affordable, versatile depth addition for a contender and should draw ample attention. The only other Coyotes forwards approaching unrestricted free agency are Jordan Weal – who has disappointed since coming over from the Philadelphia Flyers – and Mario Kempe, neither of whom are likely to attract much interest. There are others up front who Arizona will listen on, though. Nick Cousins, an RFA this summer, has failed to make the most of opportunities throughout the lineup this season and should be a player that the Coyotes are open to move on from at the right price. Josh Archibald, another RFA, is already 26 and may not be a player that Arizona sees as a long-term piece. He would be another affordable depth addition for a playoff-bound team.

On the back end, Jordan Oesterle has played admirably for the Coyotes this season, but the 26-year-old UFA-to-be is likely nothing more than an extra man if he stays in Arizona moving forward. He would probably prefer to begin that role early this season for a contender than stay in the desert. Oesterle has proven this season that he can step in and be an effective defender and he seems very likely to move if any playoff team comes calling. The more difficult decision for the Coyotes is in regards to Kevin Connauton. At full strength, Arizona does not need Connauton as a top-four defenseman next season and, like Oesterle, he may even become the seventh defender on that blue line. Yet, he is signed through the end of next year at a great price, even as a depth option. Even though his offense has fallen off this season after an impressive 2017-18 campaign, Connauton and his team-friendly $1.375MM cap hit could be appealing to any number of teams if the Coyotes are willing to give him up. AHLers Dakota Mermis, Robbie Russo, and Dysin Mayo are all likely up for grabs as well if any team wants to really deepen their options on the blue line.

Five Players To Watch For: F Richard Panik, D Jordan Oesterle, F Nick Cousins, D Kevin Connauton, D Robbie Russo

Team Needs

1) NHL-Ready Forward Prospects: It’s hard to truly gauge what the Coyotes needs are moving forward since their performance this season is so skewed by injuries and an ever-changing lineup. Their 28th-ranked offense should improve next season with full seasons from Schmaltz, Dvorak, and Grabner and the chemistry impact that consistent lines will have. Nevertheless, 2.60 goals per game is a bad mark and adding some more young scoring options to the mix certainly won’t hurt. The Coyotes aren’t exactly selling elite talent at this deadline, but if they can land some pro-ready forwards in lieu of draft picks, that would be ideal. Barrett Hayton cannot be the only impact forward in the Arizona pipeline, but there aren’t any other apparent options who could step in next season. Center depth is a clear need, but any capable, young forward will help.

2) Draft Picks: The Coyotes are not the same rebuilding team they were just a couple of years ago, but that doesn’t make building for the future any less important. Chayka and company seem content to move forward with their current core, but need to establish the next wave behind them. Hayton is leader of that prospect core, but his supporting cast right now is unspectacular. If pro-ready prospects aren’t being offered up by sellers, adding draft picks this season can help add to the pipeline. It is a deep draft and even third- and fourth-rounders could yield impact players in June.

Minor Transactions: 01/13/19

January 13, 2019 at 9:14 am CDT | by Gavin Lee 1 Comment

It’s a relatively busy Sunday for the NHL as six games are scheduled for today, including an afternoon tilt between the Nashville Predators and Carolina Hurricanes. While the league prepares for another important week, we’ll be here keeping track of all the minor moves.

The San Jose Sharks have sent Rourke Chartier back to the minor leagues, given the team doesn’t play again until Tuesday. The 22-year old forward has played 13 games with the Sharks this season but has just a single goal. He very well could be recalled once again in a few days.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have recalled Kole Sherwood, a 21-year old forward that spent time in the ECHL earlier this year. The hometown kid has seven points in 22 games for the AHL Cleveland Monsters, but will get a shot to see what life is like in the NHL for at least a little while.
Jordan Kyrou and Jordan Nolan have bother been recalled by the St. Louis Blues, giving the team two forward options in very different situations. Kyrou is still trying to get his footing in his first season as a professional, but has recently found his way as the AHL Rookie of the Month for December. Nolan meanwhile is just trying to hold onto his NHL career after finding himself in the minor leagues this season for the first time since 2012-13.
In a minor transaction, Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that St. Louis Blues’ goalie prospect Evan Fitzpatrick has been re-assigned from the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL to the Tulsa of the ECHL. The scribe adds the transaction is significant because it likely suggests that prospect Ville Husso might be ready to return from injury, which could provide the Blues with a solid emergency goaltender down the road. The 20-year-old Fitzpatrick has served as an emergency backup already, but has spent most of his season in Tusla.
The Vancouver Canucks announced they have assigned center Adam Gaudette to the Utica Comets of the AHL as the team expects the return of Josh Leivo, who has been out with back spasms. The former Hobey Baker Award winner spent the early portion of the season with Vancouver, learning as a bottom-line player, but was sent to Utica to get more playing time in. He has been producing in Utica, posting three goal and seven points in seven games, including a two goal, three-point performance on Jan. 5th. He was then recalled after Elias Pettersson went down with his knee injury and scored a goal in his one appearance on Thursday against Arizona.
The Arizona Coyotes announced they have recalled goaltender Calvin Pickard from the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL now that his conditioning stint is over. The team claimed Pickard off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers due to injuries to both Antti Raanta and Darcy Kuemper. However, with Kuemper healthy once again and the emergence of Adin Hill, the Coyotes would have to keep Pickard around as a third goaltender, which they may not want to do. Pickard struggled in four appearances in Tuscon, despite a 3-0 record, posting a 3.47 GAA and a .889 save percentage.

Coyotes Send Calvin Pickard To Tucson On Conditioning Stint

January 1, 2019 at 11:35 am CDT | by Holger Stolzenberg Leave a Comment

It’s been more than a month since the Arizona Coyotes claimed goaltender Calvin Pickard off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers. However, in all that time, Pickard hasn’t seen one minute of hockey with the Coyotes, which prompted the team to announce they intend their netminder to the Tucson Roadrunners on a conditioning stint.

Pickard has had a rough time of it the last couple of years as he started with the Colorado Avalanche, but got taken by Vegas in the expansion draft. However, it didn’t take Vegas long to realize that they didn’t want him as their back-up to Marc-Andre Fleury, instead claiming Malcolm Subban on waivers, while putting Pickard on waivers and eventually trading him to Toronto. Pickard only played one game with Toronto, spending most of the season last year with the AHL Toronto Marlies, which he helped win a Calder Cup Trophy. However, he became a popular goaltender at the beginning of the season as he was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers, who were dealing with injuries and made 11 appearances for the team. However, he struggled, posting just four wins and a .863 save percentage. Once the team got healthier, the Flyers placed him back on waivers and was claimed by Arizona.

The Coyotes needed a goaltender to fill in as a backup for Antti Raanta, who is likely out for the season after complications with surgery. However, the play of Adin Hill and backup Darcy Kuemper this season has made Pickard expendable as Hill has filled in nicely for Raanta stead. Regardless, the team holds onto Pickard as insurance and now hopes to get him some work in the AHL.

Pacific Notes: Raanta, Kovalchuk, Russell, Larsson

December 20, 2018 at 6:37 pm CDT | by Brian La Rose Leave a Comment

In an interview with 98.7 Arizona Sports (audio link), Coyotes GM John Chayka provided an update on goaltender Antti Raanta’s situation. While the team had acknowledged there was a possibility that he could return this season, Chayka indicated that this scenario doesn’t appear to be likely now:

“It’s probably more hopeful than realistic that he’s back at some point this year. So, he’s probably going to miss the rest of the year. He had a repair done, the repair was very well done. His long-term health is probably even better than what it could be if you tried to take a shortcut. Unfortunately that means for this year you’re losing your starting goalie.”

That means that Arizona will be looking to Darcy Kuemper and Adin Hill to shoulder the load (with Calvin Pickard available as well). Neither goalie has much in the way of experience of being a starter in the NHL but Chayka stated earlier this month that the Coyotes don’t plan to look to the trade market for help between the pipes.

Arizona Coyotes Not Looking For Goaltending Help In Wake Of Raanta Injury

December 10, 2018 at 9:54 am CDT | by Gavin Lee Leave a Comment

The Arizona Coyotes announced some terrible news yesterday on goaltender Antti Raanta, telling reporters that he could be out for the entire season after surgery. Raanta was originally supposed to be out just a few days, but was then downgraded to week-to-week and is now out indefinitely. That is a huge blow for a Coyotes team that was relying on the veteran goaltender to help carry them to the playoffs, and immediately sparked speculation about whether the team would go after another experienced starter to help them for the rest of the year.

That speculation can be put to rest, as Coyotes GM John Chayka told Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic that the team would go with their internal options instead of seeking any help on the trade market. The team currently has Calvin Pickard and Adin Hill in the NHL crease, with Darcy Kuemper approaching his own return from injury. It appears that trio will handle the load for the rest of the season.

It’s hard to blame Chayka for believing in a group that includes Hill, who has posted a .939 save percentage through seven appearances this season, and Kuemper, who has a long history of serving well in a backup role.

Antti Raanta Out Indefinitely, Could Be Out For Season

December 9, 2018 at 6:10 pm CDT | by Holger Stolzenberg 2 Comments

The Arizona Coyotes’ goaltending situation just got worse. Already listed as week-to-week, starting goaltender Antti Raanta has been listed as out indefinitely. In fact, general manager John Chayka said that the injury could keep the goaltender out for the entire season after doctors noted that the severity of his injury was worse than originally thought during Raanta’s surgical procedure, according to The Athletic’s Craig Morgan.

“The recovery will be a little longer than we had hoped or expected,” Chayka said. “As we get further down the rehab process we’ll know more, but for now he’s out indefinitely & there’s a good chance he misses the entire season.”

Raanta was having a good, but not great season for the Coyotes so far as he was 5-6 with a 2.88 GAA and a .906 save percentage in 12 appearances. The team, however, will now have to put more of its faith in backup goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who is currently injured, and Adin Hill, especially if the team hopes to work its way into a possible playoff spot.

Hill has been impressive so far in his recall from Tucson of the AHL and could find himself having a breakout year with this opportunity. Hill has put up impressive numbers since being recalled on Nov. 25 as he has a 4-2 record with a 1.62 GAA and a .939 save percentage. Kuemper has been out since Nov. 21 with what is referred to as a minor injury, yet he has now missed more than two weeks and there isn’t a concrete date on a potential return. Kuemper is 4-5-2 in 11 appearances with a 2.71 GAA, but more importantly a .914 save percentage.

“He’s in good health, it’s just a matter of getting his timing back,” Chayka said. “He should be back in the short term. Obviously with Antti out, he’s an important piece for us moving forward.”

Arizona Coyotes Lose Vinnie Hinostroza To Injured Reserve

December 8, 2018 at 5:12 pm CDT | by Holger Stolzenberg Leave a Comment

The Arizona Coyotes have revealed that forward Vinnie Hinostroza will be out for weeks and will be placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury, according to The Athletic’s Catherine Silverman. That’s another tough injury for a team fighting to move up in the Pacific Division standings after placing Michael Grabner and goaltender Antti Raanta on IR within the last week as well.

While nothing has been confirmed, it’s likely the injury occurred on Thursday in the Coyotes’ loss to Washington as Hinostroza played just 6:53 of ice time and reportedly had been limping off the ice at one point in the game. The team recalled Michael Bunting from Tucson of the AHL this morning and the team would likely replace Hinostroza or Conor Garland in the lineup.

Hinostroza came aboard during the offseason in one of the many trades Arizona has made with the Chicago Blackhawks recently in which the Coyotes acquired Hinostroza in the Marian Hossa trade in July. The 24-year-old has been solid for Arizona as he ranks as the team’s fourth-best scorer as he has posted four goals and 12 points in 27 games.

Antti Raanta Moved To Injured Reserve

December 7, 2018 at 4:37 pm CDT | by Gavin Lee Leave a Comment

The Arizona Coyotes had a decision to make soon on whether Adin Hill had earned an NHL role going forward, but won’t have to make it for another few weeks. The team announced today that Antti Raanta is now considered week-to-week and has been moved to injured reserve. Craig Morgan of The Athletic spoke with Coyotes GM John Chayka, who claimed it wasn’t actually a setback for Raanta.

While injuries to Raanta seem to have become commonplace for the Coyotes, this time they may be better prepared than ever to keep things running smoothly in net. Hill has been outstanding since his recall, recording a shutout and posting a .957 save percentage in six appearances. The 22-year old goaltender will likely remain the starter, while waiver claim Calvin Pickard can help provide some NHL experience.

Darcy Kuemper, who is also dealing with injury, is expected to be back before long, meaning they’ll still have to make a decision on who to keep. Hill is obviously playing well enough to remain in the NHL, but is also still waiver exempt. Pickard, obviously, is not and would need to clear in order to be assigned to the minor leagues. Risking him might not be the absolute worst move though, given that the Coyotes are currently at the 50-contract limit and have been for much of the season. Still, having depth at such a crucial position is key for Arizona as they try to push towards the playoffs in the Pacific Division. Raanta is obviously their starter if healthy, but he hasn’t been much of that for any length of time.

Pacific Notes: Quick, Raanta, Chychrun, Oilers, Miller

November 18, 2018 at 2:46 pm CDT | by Holger Stolzenberg 3 Comments

The Los Angeles Kings could use some good news with their goaltending issues and they got some Sunday as NHL.com’s Kevin Weekes reports that Jonathan Quick skated today in full gear, which is the next step in his recovery after undergoing surgery on Oct. 31 to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Weekes reports that Quick just worked on his crease work, but did not go down and did not take any pucks. Regardless, that has to be good news for L.A. who are without both Quick and his backup, Jack Campbell, who went down with the exact same injury. Instead, the team is going with the AHL tandem of Peter Budaj and Calvin Petersen. However, the team would much prefer to see Quick return to the lineup as new head coach Willie Desjardins continues to try to turn around the Kings after a poor start.

Fox Sports’ Jon Rosen adds that Quick could take on a heavier load in practice on either Wednesday or Friday.

Cat Silverman of The Athletic reports that the Arizona Coyotes had two injured players return to practice Sunday as goaltender Antti Raanta and defenseman Jakob Chychrun both practiced. Raanta’s practice was a short one, but he did participate in full drills while he was there. He was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 7 with an undisclosed injury. Chychrun recently returned to the team after recovering from offseason surgery and then immediately was placed on injured reserve after one game with an upper-body injury. He was a full participant in practice today and with full contact. Both are considered likely to play Wednesday against Vegas.
Edmonton Journal’s Jim Matheson writes that it’s unlikely the Edmonton Oilers will get involved in the William Nylander sweepstakes with the Toronto Maple Leafs as the team would likely have to send back defenseman Adam Larsson, which the Oilers would not be willing to do. Instead Matheson believes the Oilers’ best course of action would be to wait for the trade deadline and make a play for the New York Rangers Mats Zuccarello, who will be a unrestricted free agent next year, but could be a good fit in Edmonton.
The return of Nate Schmidt to the Vegas Golden Knights Sunday is good news for defenseman Colin Miller, who has been forced to take over Schmidt’s role as a No. 1 defenseman, always in charge of facing opposing team’s top line. That has been a challenge for Miller, who is better off as a second-pair defenseman, according to SinBin’s Steve Carp. That role has altered the way Miller thinks as he has had to focus on defense first and put offense on the back burner. Miller, who had 10 goals and 41 points last season, currently has no goals and six assists in 20 games. However, with Schmidt taking his previous role starting tonight and expected to be paired with Shea Theodore, Miller can return to his old role, which could result in an offensive boost for Vegas.

Antti Raanta Placed On Injured Reserve

November 8, 2018 at 10:59 am CDT | by Gavin Lee 1 Comment

Coming into the season, one of the trendy dark horse picks for the Vezina Trophy was Antti Raanta. The Arizona Coyotes goaltender had put together an incredible second half in the 2017-18 season to finish with a .930 save percentage, and statistics were being thrown around comparing him to some of the game’s best. Sure, he hadn’t proven it over a long period of time, but what’s fun about predictions if you don’t go out on a ledge?

Even the most ardent Raanta supporters though knew that he needed to stay healthy in order to achieve that success, something that he hadn’t been able to accomplish since being traded to the desert. The 29-year old played just 47 games for Arizona last season, a number that was sure to increase if he could stay off the trainer’s table and on the ice. That hasn’t happened so far, as Raanta missed a game after being pulled in warm-up earlier this year and has now been placed on injured reserve as he deals with his latest minor injury. The move was made last night according to Craig Morgan of The Athletic, and is retroactive to November 6th. That means Raanta is ineligible to play until November 13th, missing at least three games.

Being held out for a few days isn’t the end of the world, especially because the Coyotes do have a capable backup goaltender in Darcy Kuemper. Arizona though expects to compete for the playoffs this season, and to do that need their star goaltender in net more often than not. No matter how well Kuemper does in relief, Raanta is the biggest key to the season for the Coyotes and will have to be monitored even more closely for the rest of the season. Hunter Miska was recalled from the minor leagues under emergency conditions, but could now be changed to a regular call-up given Raanta’s injury designation.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

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